Montessori school curriculum

The Montessori curricum for math, science, reading, writing, and language

What do Montessori schools teach? And how do they teach different subjects?

The Montessori curriculum is unique and progressive. For most subjects, the focus is on concrete and experiential learning. Below, we outline the Montessori curriculum and teaching method for five subjects: math, science, reading, writing, and language.

Students work with many concrete materials to learn skills and concepts. They use self-correcting manipulatives, which allow them to find and correct their own mistakes. They also use sandpaper numbers, number rods, spindle boxes, golden bead material, bead frames, fraction insets, and sequin boards.

Montessori math starts with concrete learning. For instance, in arithmetic, students learn the names of the numbers by identifying numerals and objects. They then move on to more abstract and complex concepts.

The content for math is divided into categories that allow students to grasp increasingly challenging concepts. And usually, brief lessons cover these categories in a special order. But most work is done independently or in groups. And the pace of study varies between students.

Students are rarely taught scientific subjects on their own. Instead, Montessori science interdisciplinary focus: students learn several subjects (scientific and non-scientific) at once. For instance, they might be given a great lesson about the beginning of the world, where they’ll learn about science, history, and theology.

Students are free to explore in and out of the classroom. They learn about the world through problem-solving and trial and error.

In secondary schools, some science lectures are given. There also might be some textbook learning at this level. This is especially true in high school, where provincial curricular requirements must be met.

Reading

Montessori reading is also very concrete, with little direct instruction. It combines two common approaches: phonics and whole language. The phonics approach is far more of a focus, though.

In the Montessori reading curriculum, teachers take advantage of the sensitive period for reading—between the ages of three and five—during which children are more able to learn how to read. Children first learn to read (and write) through concrete material and sensory activities. For instance, they learn to trace sandpaper letters, and how to hold a pencil and control its use. This allows them to develop fine motor skills, and learn through many of their senses.

When children have learned some letters, they use what’s called a “movable alphabet.” These cardboard or wooden letters allow children to construct words, phrases, and sentences.

This sets the stage for phonics: sounding out letters and joining them together to form words. Children begin to distinguish sounds, and phonetically read words, phrases, and sentences.

As part of the whole language approach, children are then given reading cards. These allow them to practice matching words with objects and pictures. There’s also a lot of focus on comprehension. Children are given special material to learn the meanings of words and sentences and the basics of grammar.

After they’ve learned the basics, children are given books to read (usually non-fiction books). Often, many illustrated books about the real world are provided. Most schools also provide plenty of reading activities related to special topics of interest.

Writing

Children learn to write before reading in the Montessori education system. They start writing between the ages of three and four. During this sensitive period, they’re thought to be attracted to the order of writing, and can easily learn this skill.

Children first work with moveable alphabets. They then learn how to hold a pencil, practice different strokes, and learn about pencil pressure. This improves their fine-motor skills and builds up their finger and hand muscles.

Special writing exercises are also given. These allow children to realize writing is not just “making marks.” This also helps them improve their handwriting. They then learn to write creatively, and express themselves in unique ways.

Language

There are several aspects of the Montessori language curriculum. These include spoken and written language, reading, and spelling. These skills are taught together.

The Montessori classroom is designed to promote language skills. Language use is encouraged in the classroom, partly by giving students plenty of freedom to speak with their peers. Students also speak with teachers a lot. Oral language skills are refined through songs, games, poems, and stories.

In the language area of the classroom, vocabulary is enriched in many ways. Precise names are used for all objects. Object classification and matching exercises are also used to improve comprehension and vocabulary.

Students mostly move at their own pace in learning to speak, read, and write. There’s no strict time frame for developing these skills, unlike in many mainstream schools. Teachers do, though, take advantage of the sensitive periods for learning these skills.

Internationally recognized since 1961,TMS is the leading university preparatory school in Richmond Hill with Montessori & IB frameworks that provide students with the foundation for a life of goodness & excellence. [View profile]

Conveniently located in Midtown Toronto, our Junior and Elementary campuses are a popular choice for families seeking exceptional childcare and the very best Montessori education for their children. [View profile]

The Element nurtures focused, engaged and internally motivated students who strive to do their best. The Element High School provides conditions that will put youth ‘in their element,’ in school and beyond. [View profile]

Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) is an award-winning progressive private school, a GOLD member of OFIS (Ontario Federation of Independent Schools) and voted the BEST private school by the residents of Brampton. [View profile]

Tall Pines School in Brampton provides enhanced Montessori and traditional classes from Infant to Grade Eight, is the longest accredited CCMA Montessori school in Canada, and is a leader in 21st Century education. [View profile]

Peel Montessori School offers an enriched, personalized program. Emphasis is on strong academics, and the development of personal excellence (leadership skills, creativity) in a supportive, family-like environment. [View profile]

Guiding Light Academy is a Catholic private elementary school in Streetsville, Mississauga. We offer an enriched curriculum for JK, SK and Grades 1 to 8. We are located just minutes away from the Streetsville Go Station. [View profile]

Cedar Ridge High School is an independent high school, grades 7 to 12, in Kanata, Ontario. Our school offers an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a focus on leadership, innovation, student engagement and academics. [View profile]

Blooming Lives Montessori celebrates and nurtures the sense of curiosity of each child, supports them in exploring their expanding capabilities and guides them into their thriving potentials. [View profile]

Housed in the elegant colonial mansion, Harrop House in the beautiful town of Milton, Ontario. Offering low teacher to child ratios with an emphasis on personal and social development of each child. [View profile]

For over 25 years, the Montessori Country School provides a first-class accredited curriculum for students 12 months through grade 6. The sprawling 10 acre campus offers a unique indoor and outdoor learning experience. [View profile]

Located in Brantford, Ontario, Montessori House of Children (MHC) provides excellent programs for grades Nursery to 3 and helps young children reach their learning potential with both independent and self-directed learning. MHC also offers support for students with learning differences. [View profile]

Situated on seven acres of rolling parkland and gardens, Country Garden Montessori Academy in Newmarket is a co-ed private day school for students in grades PS-12. The school provides a family atmosphere and is committed the intellectual growth and emotional well-being of students. [View profile]

Northstar Montessori offers authentic Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8 in Mississauga. We pride ourselves on strong character development and supporting life long learners! Now, Swim program is now included. [View profile]

The Hatch House Montessori School is a very child centered school where each student is respected for his/her uniqueness and is taught accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program. [View profile]

Liberty Prep offers programs from Toddler - Gr. 6 in downtown Toronto. Our environment combines a beautifully renovated building with well-trained and passionate teachers. Reach out to discover what we do differently. [View profile]

Since 2002, J. Addison has provided a stimulating education for students. Located at the corner of Woodbine and Valleywood Drive in Markham, ON, Canada, you will find our state-of-the-art 58,000 sq. ft. facility. [View profile]

The Montessori School of Calgary offers a preschool through Grade 6 program led by experienced guides and teachers who support each child with trust, respect, and proven academic success. [View profile]

Shining Light Montessori is the community you've searched for -- where children feel comfortable, with teachers who care. Our children learn, build their confidence, reach their potential, & let their lights shine! [View profile]

Montessori Country School has provided a first-class academic experience to students in an environment that is distinguished by its compassion, integrity and unwavering commitment to the individual child.
[View profile]

La Villa Montessori School is dedicated to following the Montessori philosophy and to create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment that fulfills a child's emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs. [View profile]

MontessoriWorks provides half/full-day experiential learning programs, based in the Montessori method, conducted in a nurturing, cooperative, supportive environment, for children in preschool through senior kindergarten. [View profile]

Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering is a non denominational school that offers programs from Pre-school to Grade eight. We acknowledge and celebrate religious and cultural events as part of our cultural program. [View profile]

MJDS inspires a lifetime love for learning in a nurturing environment that fosters respect for oneself, the community and the world, guided by the shared values of Judaism and Montessori education. [View profile]

Established in 1974, Somerset Academy is an independent, not-for-profit private school that provides education to students in Grades 1 to 8. Somerset Academy has an average class size of 10 to 18 students. [View profile]

Our highly qualified staff use the Montessori Method to provide students with the opportunity to develop intellectual and social skills and to enhance their self-esteem and self-confidence. [View profile]

We have offered high quality programs for children ages 2.5-6 since 2007 in Vancouver, B.C. Our students graduate with a solid academic foundation, good problem solving skills, pro-social behaviour and a love of school. [View profile]